Highlights
・Attractive colour combination
・Plenty of Main Dealer history
・Recently cosmetically refurbished inside and out
・Refurbished wheels with fresh Pirellis
・Less than 1000 miles since last Service
Background
Not only was the Arnage T more expensive and more powerful than its predecessors, the Arnage Green and Red Label models, but it also claimed the title of world's fastest saloon.
Powered by a version of the venerable 6.75 litre Rolls-Royce V8 engine, which had been treated to what Bentley described as 'the most thorough re-engineering of its life', the Arnage T produced a staggering 500bhp with 1,000 N/m of torque! This prodigious output enabled the T to reach 180mph, and also sent it from 0 to 60mph in 5.2 seconds. The engine's most significant change was the switch from a single turbocharger to twin low inertia turbochargers, one for each bank of cylinders.
Other changes included the adoption of a 'drive-by-wire' throttle to go hand-in-glove with Bosch's Electronic Stability Program which replaced the Red Label's traction control. What really gives this nearly three-ton car its immense poise is a revised suspension that increased the roll resistance.
Powered by a version of the venerable 6.75 litre Rolls-Royce V8 engine, which had been treated to what Bentley described as 'the most thorough re-engineering of its life', the Arnage T produced a staggering 500bhp with 1,000 N/m of torque! This prodigious output enabled the T to reach 180mph, and also sent it from 0 to 60mph in 5.2 seconds. The engine's most significant change was the switch from a single turbocharger to twin low inertia turbochargers, one for each bank of cylinders.
Other changes included the adoption of a 'drive-by-wire' throttle to go hand-in-glove with Bosch's Electronic Stability Program which replaced the Red Label's traction control. What really gives this nearly three-ton car its immense poise is a revised suspension that increased the roll resistance.
History
This Bentley Arnage T was first registered in January 2008 to a property investment company in London and was maintained regardless of cost as can be seen in the invoices on file. Presented in attractive Silver Storm, with complementary Cream leather and light blue carpets it is a particularly nice colour combination, with a nice airy feel to the interior.
It was purchased by the current owner in 2020 as he had always wanted a T500, and this example was chosen firstly as it was not black as many of the T500s were, and secondly despite the relatively high mileage, the maintenance record was impeccable, and there was little that needed doing to make it perfect.
It was purchased by the current owner in 2020 as he had always wanted a T500, and this example was chosen firstly as it was not black as many of the T500s were, and secondly despite the relatively high mileage, the maintenance record was impeccable, and there was little that needed doing to make it perfect.
The Paperwork
The first document of interest in the Bentley’s history file is the Service book. Starting in February 2008, when the car was one month old with its pre delivery inspection, then in March it had its “early life” service at 1,172 miles.
At its first proper service on 4th November 2008 it had covered 9,183 and at the second service, just less than a year later in October 2009, it had covered 18,095 miles –so it was regularly covering some distance! By 2015 it had covered 82,000 miles and had its 8th service at Miles of Belgravia, with an invoice on file for over £6000.
In October 2016 it was sent to Hanwells for major work including a replacement reconditioned gearbox and torque converter, new spheres and other items with accompanying invoices for over £8,000. The trail of regular servicing and invoices continues right up to March 2021 at Royce Service & Engineering at 113,522 miles, including new discs and pads and fresh oil.
The current MoT is valid until 23rd March 2022. It comes with the original Owner’s books and manuals plus the important Service book.
At its first proper service on 4th November 2008 it had covered 9,183 and at the second service, just less than a year later in October 2009, it had covered 18,095 miles –so it was regularly covering some distance! By 2015 it had covered 82,000 miles and had its 8th service at Miles of Belgravia, with an invoice on file for over £6000.
In October 2016 it was sent to Hanwells for major work including a replacement reconditioned gearbox and torque converter, new spheres and other items with accompanying invoices for over £8,000. The trail of regular servicing and invoices continues right up to March 2021 at Royce Service & Engineering at 113,522 miles, including new discs and pads and fresh oil.
The current MoT is valid until 23rd March 2022. It comes with the original Owner’s books and manuals plus the important Service book.
The Interior
The first thing to note about the Bentley is how fresh and inviting the interior is.
The Vendor had the leather reconditioned when he purchased the car, and we only found one blemish and some wear on the driver’s seat; apart from that the cream leather looks as good as the day the car was delivered. The sumptuous wooden dash and door cappings are all unmarked and show a fine gloss.
The Vendor had the leather reconditioned when he purchased the car, and we only found one blemish and some wear on the driver’s seat; apart from that the cream leather looks as good as the day the car was delivered. The sumptuous wooden dash and door cappings are all unmarked and show a fine gloss.
The carpets are clean, as is the headlining, and both are smart and presentable. There is little that would require attention.
The Exterior
Upon purchase the owner addressed a couple of areas where the paintwork needed attention, and then had the wheels professionally refurbished. New a set of Pirelli P Zero tyres were fitted, and these show only minor wear.
Overall the Bentley, as can be seen in the photographs, looks the business.
Overall the Bentley, as can be seen in the photographs, looks the business.
The Mechanics
It’s hardly surprising that mechanically the Bentley appears to be as solid as the day it left Crewe. The Service book is the key to this condition with nearly annual servicing from new, mostly at main dealers, and latterly at respected marque specialists.
What needed to be done to keep it mechanically dependable was always carried out with no expense spared.
What needed to be done to keep it mechanically dependable was always carried out with no expense spared.
The Appeal
For those who may not have been lucky enough to enjoy the power and comfort that Bentley’s turbocharged cars have offered over the years then we can say there are very few cars that come anywhere close to this level of luxury matched with such colossal grunt! The T500 was the final iteration of the venerable 6.75 litre V8 that had served the company so well for many years –but with a twin turbo twist!
The sheer “thrust in the back” power of this Bentley is properly breath-taking, and delivered in such luxury!
The sheer “thrust in the back” power of this Bentley is properly breath-taking, and delivered in such luxury!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
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